- Psychodynamic therapy
- Mindfulness methods
- Motivational interviewing
About Aileen
Aileen Stein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 30 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and concerns such as guilt and shame. She offers a steady, listening presence and begins by hearing what clients say they need.
Stein trained at New York University, earning an MSW in 1992, and has practiced in hospitals, counseling centers, and intensive outpatient programs. Much of her work has involved people coping with post-traumatic stress, domestic violence, chronic mental health conditions, and end-of-life or hospice concerns. She has experience with clients across the adult life span including older adults.
Her primary approach is psychodynamic psychotherapy, which looks at patterns from past relationships and how they affect current feelings and behavior. She also uses motivational interviewing to help people clarify goals and Mindfulness Therapy to develop present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity. These methods are offered when they fit each person’s pace and readiness.
Aileen emphasizes listening first. She starts where the client is without judgment and helps people move toward goals at a measured pace. When someone seems ready, she introduces strategies and practical steps to make change more likely.
Her background includes work as a medical social worker and treating people with mood disorders, trauma, and complex life transitions. For someone carrying guilt or shame, she focuses on understanding the feeling, its origins, and workable steps to address daily impacts.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Aileen uses psychodynamic psychotherapy to look at recurring emotional patterns and how past relationships shape present reactions. This approach can help people understand why guilt or shame keeps returning and what meanings those feelings hold in the context of a life story.She also works with Mindfulness Therapy to help people notice thoughts and body sensations without immediate reaction, a practical way to lessen overwhelm during moments of shame or anxiety. Motivational Interviewing is used to clarify a person’s own goals and to find small, achievable steps toward change when they are ready.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client will talk about the person’s needs, goals, and preferences and adjust methods over time. Decisions about which techniques to use are made together and paced to what the client can manage.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use different formats to match a person’s schedule and comfort, and Aileen will discuss what works best for each client.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship problems, grief, and issues such as guilt and shame among other mood and life-change concerns.
How would she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She begins by listening to how the feeling shows up in daily life and then explores its history and meaning, using psychodynamic ideas and practical strategies when the client is ready.
What is her clinical experience?
She has 30 years of experience, including work in hospitals, counseling centers, and intensive outpatient programs treating mood disorders, PTSD, and chronic mental health issues.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW, and practices in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.